Swimming device



y 26, 1.936- T. J. HOWLAND 2,042,152-

SWIMMING DEVICE Filed July 25, 1935 INVEN'I 'OR 674M312: 8 WM BY I PmmiaQ wm -M TTORNEYS Patented May 26, 1936 SWIMlVHNG DEVICE Thomas J.Howland, Long Branch, N. J.

Application July 25, 1935, Serial No. 33,051

9 Claims.

This invention relates to devices for use in swimming and has particularreference to a novel swimming device of the inflatable type which isespecially suitable for use by beginners, although it may also be usedto advantage by more experienced swimmers.

The body of a swimmer has a natural tendency to assume a substantiallystanding position in the water due to the fact that the most buoyantportion of the body is in the region of the chest. The tendency of thelegs to sink is especially pronounced in the beginner in swimming whoinstinctively seeks the standing position, and it is generally desirableto provide means for counteracting this tendency in order to support thebeginner in the proper position for swimming and instruct him in thedifferent swimming strokes. Various expedients have been employed forartificially supporting the beginner while practicing swimming strokes,but so far as I am aware they are quite inefiective for maintaining thelegs at the proper elevation in the water or are so cumbersome that theyinterfere with the freedom-of movement of the legs and other parts ofthe body.

Among the more common devices used for supporting beginners in swimmingare the so-called water-wings which are made up of a pair of inflatablemembers connected together by a band or strap adapted to pass under thebody of the user. While these devices serve to prevent the head of theuser from sinking below the surface of the water, they are of little usein enabling the beginner to practice the various swimming strokes forthe reason that they provide no sup port whatever for the legs, the userbeing normally supported in a substantially vertical position which isimproper for swimming. Another device commonly used by beginners is aflat board, similar in form to a surf-board, upon which the user reposeson his stomach with his legs extending over the rear edge of the board.Devices of this type are not only uncomfortable but are quite unstableand a considerable part of the tained at the proper elevation at alltimes, the device being so constructed that the parts of the body areimmersed in the water to substantially the same extent as in swimmingand are free to perform the various movements incident to swimming.

The new swimming device comprises a pair of elongated inflatable floatunits arranged in spaced, substantially parallel relation and adapted toextend along the sides of the swimmer. The float units are made ofrubber or other suitable material and are joined together atcorresponding ends by a substantially flat member which is positioned toprovide a support for the upper part of the swimmers torso. Connectedbetween the opposite corresponding ends of the float units is across-member of webbing or the like, which is arranged in position tosupport the swimmers legs, the cross-member being preferably movablealong the units and having means for adjusting its length. In thepreferred form of the device, each of the float units is providedintermediate of its ends with a flexible, substantially non-inflatablesection, whereby the rear ends of the units wheninflated may be morereadily depressed in the water by the kicking movements of the legs.

It will be apparent that the new swimming device provides a stablesupport for the legs and torso of the body, and may be employed to greatadvantage in perfecting the kicking movements of the swimmer. Theflexibility of the float units which is increased considerably by thenon-inflatable sections, permits the swimmers legs to be readilydepressed in the water in accordance with the prescribed movements, andthe legs are prevented from remaining in this position by the buoyancyof the float units. The cross-member for the legs may be adjustedlengthwise of the units to suit the individual requirements of the user,and by adjusting the length of the member the float units may be made tosnugly engage the sides of the user to prevent him from being dislodgedfrom the device, the user thus being supported in a secure position inwhich the legs and torso of the body are perfectly free to move incoordination with the legs.

For a better understanding of the invention reference may be had to theaccompanying drawing, in which: I

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a preferred form of the new device, showing themanner in which it is used for swimming;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan View of a modified form of the device; and

Fig. 4 is a plan view of another form of the device.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, the numeral l and ID designate twoelongated inflatable float-units arranged in substantially parallelrelation and connected together at corresponding ends by a substantiallyflat member ll. Preferably, the float units and the interconnectingmember II are made up of upper and lower rubber sheets l2 and I3,respectively, which are joined together along their corresponding edgesby a continuous seam M, the portions of the sheets forming theinterconnecting member ll being joined together along the lines l5 toform a third inflatable float unit I6.

Connected between the opposite corresponding ends of the float unitsII], II! is a cross-member I! made of webbing or other flexiblematerial. The cross-member is preferably made up of two strips ofmaterial l8 and I9 connected to the float units by loops 2!] and 21,respectively, and joined together at their free ends by a buckle 22 foradjusting the length of the cross-member, the buckle being secured tothe underside of the strip I 9 which is slightly wider than the strip I8and overlaps the end thereof, whereby the top of the buckle iscompletely covered.

In order to permit the float units in and H) to be easily flexed wheninflated, I prefer to provide substantially non-inflatable sections 23and 23', respectively, intermediate of the ends of the units. Thesections 23, 23 may be conveniently formed by joining the upper andlower sheets of the units along spaced transverse lines 24 and 24' so asto prevent the passage of air into the spaces between the joints. Thefloat unit l6 and the ends of the units I0, l0 are provided with valves25 for admitting air to the interior of the units.

In the use of the new swimming device shown in Figs. 1 and 2, theswimmer reposes on the device on either his stomach or back with hischest supported by the flat member H and his legs resting on thecross-member H, as shown clearly in Fig. 1. The buckle 22 of thecross-member is adjusted to regulate the spacing of the units l0, It sothat the latter snugly engage the sides of the swimmer in the region ofthe hips, and the loops 2 8 and 2| are adjusted lengthwise of the unitsso that the cross-member supports the legs in the desired position whichwill depend to some extent upon the particular swimming stroke to beused. I find that the various crawl strokes can be practiced with thebest results by adjusting the cross-member l! to engage the legsslightly above the knees, whereas in practicing the broad strokes it isgenerally more desirable to move the cross-member inward from the endsof the units so that it will engage the legs higher up and thus givemore freedom for the knee bending and leg spreading which are incidentto such strokes.

It will be observed that with this construction the upper part of theswimmers body is well supported by the interconnecting member I I, thefloat unit I6 providing additional buoyancy, and that the shoulders andarms of the swimmer are free to perform the necessary movements sincethere are no straps or harness to bind them. The body in the region ofthe waist and hips is permitted to repose in the water without anydirect support from the device, thereby increasing the sensation ofswimming, but is prevented from sinking too deeply by theinterconnecting member II and cross member I! connected to the floatunits. Since the buoyant force for supporting the swimmer is appliedalmost entirely along the sides of the body by the float units II], It),the danger of the user overturning in the device or becoming dislodgedtherefrom is eliminated, and the user may have the assurance of beingsafely supported at all times in the proper position for swimming. Whilethus supported, the user may move his legs freely in the desired manner,the non-inflatable sections 23, 23' adding to the flexibility of thefloat units and permitting the rear ends thereof to be more easilydepressed by the downward movements of the legs, and the buoyancy of theunits serving to return the legs to the proper elevated position aftereach of such movements.

The modified form of the device shown in Fig. 3 comprises a pair ofelongated inflatable float units 21 and 21' which include front sections28 and 28, respectively, and rear sections 29 and 29, respectively, thefront and rear sections of the respective float units being joinedtogether by flexible, substantially non-inflatable elements 30 and 30.Extending through the flexible elements 30 and 30' are air passages 34and 3|, respectively, which communicate with the interiors of the frontand rear sections of the respective float units. The front sections ofthe units diverge slightly toward the rear sections and are joinedtogether at their outer ends by a flexible interconnecting member 32.Each of the front sections is provided with a conveniently located airvalve 33.

The rear sections 29, 29 of the float units are considerably smaller incross section than the front sections and are inclined slightly inwardlyat an angle to the latter whereby the spacing between the units isgreatest in the vicinity of the flexible elements 30, 30'. Connectedbetween the rear sections is a cross member 34 comprising two flexiblestrips 35 and 36 joined together by an adjustable buckle 31 and providedat their .outer ends with loops 38 and 39, respectively, through whichthe rear sections extend.

The device shown in Fig. 3 is used in the same manner as that shown inFigs. 1 and 2, the user reposing on the device with his chest supportedby the interconnecting member 32 and his legs resting on the crossmember 34. The latter is adjusted by means of the buckle 3'! to hold thefront sections of the float units against the sides of the user, therear sections extending slightly inwardly from the front sections sothat they lie parallel to the general contour of the users legs andthereby prevent the legs from spreading too far apart during the kickingmovements. The rear sections of the units, being smaller and lessbuoyant than the front sections, permit the legs to settle in the waterto the level of the swimmers torso or lower, thereby preventing anystrain upon the swimmers back which might occur if the legs weresupported at too high an elevation with respect to the back.

It will be observed that the device shown in Fig. 3 can be completelyinflated by blowing air into the two Valves 33, the passages 3|, 3|permitting the flow of air from the front to the rear sections wherebythe pressure is equalized throughout each of the float units.

A simplified form of the device is shown in Fig. 4. The deviceillustrated therein comprises a pair of spaced elongated inflatablefloat units 4! and 42 arranged in parallel relation and joined togetherat corresponding ends by an interconnecting member 43 of flexiblematerial. The member 43 is of suflicient width to comfortably supportthe chest of a swimmer and is provided at its ends with loops 44 and 45through which extend the front ends of the units 4! and 42,respectively. Connected between the rear ends of the float units is across member 46, the latter being provided at its ends with loops 4'!and 48 through which extend the rear ends of the units M and 42,respectively. Each of the float units is provided with a convenientlylocated valve 49 for use in inflating and deflating the device.

It will be apparent that the device shown in Fig. 4 can be constructedat a low cost since the parts thereof are few in number and are simpleand inexpensive. The device may be adjusted by moving the loops of theinterconnecting member 63 and cross member 45 along the float units sothat the members engage the torso and legs, respectively, of the user inthe desired positions, and by so adjusting the device it may be made toconform to the size of the person using it, the float units readilyadapting themselves to the sides of the user by reason of theirflexibility.

Devices made in accordance with this invention have been used with greatsuccess by beginners in swimming. The user is supported in the water inthe proper position at all times and since there is no danger of thedevice overturning or the user being dislodged therefrom, very littlesupervision is necessary. By reducing the pressure of the air in theunits from time to time during the use of the device, the beginnergradually learns to depend upon his own efforts to support himself inthe water, and thereafter the device may be used to great advantage inperfecting the various kicking movements. When the device is deflated itmay be folded into a flat compact form which will fit into a smallpackage suitable for transporting the device.

Although the new device has been described as particularly adapted foruse in swimming, it will be understood that its use is not restrictedtherein. For example, the device may be used for a variety of amusementsin the water, the cross members which extend between the float unitsserving as a seat and foot rest for the user.

While I have described and illustrated in detail three forms of the newdevice, it is to be understood that the invention is not limitedthereby, but that the principles thereof may be embodied in any suitabledevice within the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A swimming device comprising a pair of spaced elongated inflatablefloat units adapted to extend along the sides of the swimmer, a flexiblesubstantially non-inflatable element interposed between the ends of eachunit and dividing the interior thereof into two inflatable sections,each of said elements having a passage therethrough communicating withthe adjacent sections, means connected between corresponding ends ofsaid units for supporting the upper torso of the swimmer, and a memberconnected between the opposite corresponding ends of said units inposition to support the swimmers legs.

2. In a swimming device, the combination of a pair of elongatedinflatable float units adapted to extend along the sides of the swimmer,each unit including a front section and a rear section having a smallercross-sectional area than said front section, an interconnecting memberextending between the front sections of the units in position to supportthe upper torso of the swimmers body, and a cross member extendingbetween the rear sections of the units and adapted to support the legsof the swimmer.

3. In a swimming device, the combination of a pair of spaced elongated,flexible float units, said units being freely bendable in all directionsand each adapted to extend along one side of the swimmer, and of alength to extend substantially from the head to the knees of theswimmer, means connected between said units near corresponding endsthereof for supporting the upper part of the swimmers body, and a memberconnected to said units extending across the space between the unitsnear the opposite corresponding ends thereof and spaced a distance fromsaid first mentioned connection to be in a position to support the legssubstantially at the knees when a person is lying thereon, said oppositecorresponding ends of the float units being free to bend downwardly andtowards each other upon application of tension to the member connect ingsaid ends.

4. In a swimming device, the combination of a pair of spaced elongatedinflatable, flexible float units, each adapted to extend along one sideof the swimmer, and of a length to extend substantially from the head tothe knees of the swimmer, means connected between said units nearcorresponding ends thereof for supporting the upper part of the swimmersbody, and a flexible member connected to said units and extending acrossthe space between the units, said flexible member being spaced adistance from said first mentioned connection to be in a position to liebeneath the legs of a person lying thereon, whereby downward pressure ofthe legs applies tension to said member and draws the rear ends of theunits together.

5. In a swimming device, the combination of .a pair of spaced elongatedinflatable flexible float units each adapted to extend along one side ofthe swimmer, and of a length to extend substantially from the head tothe knees of the swimmer, means connected between said units nearcorresponding ends thereof for supporting the upper part of the swimmersbody, and a strap connected across the space between said units andadjustable lengthwise with respect thereto, said strap being spaced adistance from said first mentioned connection to lie beneath the legs ofa person lying thereon, whereby downward pressure of one of the legsapplies tension to said member and draws the rear ends of both unitsdownwardly in the water.

6. In a swimming device, the combination of a flexible float comprisinga pair of elongated units, said units being freely bendable in alldirections and each adapted to extend along one side of the swimmer, andof a length to extend substantially from the head to the knees of theswimmer, an integral interconnection near corresponding ends of saidelongate-d units, adapted to support the torso of the swimmer, and amember connected to said elongated units and adapted to extend beneaththe swimmers legs in the region of the knees across the space betweensaid units, the ends of said units to which said member is attachedbeing free to bend downwardly and towards each other upon application oftension to the member connecting said units, said elongated units andsaid integral interconnection being formed of two superimposed sheetsjointed together around the entire edges thereof.

7. In a swimming device, a pair of spaced elongated inflatable floatseach adapted to extend along one side of a swimmer, and of a length toextend substantially from the head to the knees of the swimmer, each ofsaid floats being formed of two superimposed sheets joined togetheraround the entire edges thereof, an interconnection between said unitsnear corresponding ends thereof for supporting the torso of the swimmer,said interconnection being formed of a pair of superimposed sheetsjoined together throughout at least the major portion of their widthadjacent each float member, and being separated, except at their edgesat an intermediate area, to form an inflatable float, and a memberconnected to said first-mentioned floats and extending across the spacetherebetween in position to support the swimmers legs.

8. In a swimming device, the combination of a pair of spaced elongatedinflatable float units adapted to extend along the sides of the user,and of a length to extend substantially from the head to the knees ofthe user, said units being curved inwardly toward their opposite ends,whereby the front ends of the units extend beneath the shoulders and therear ends extend substantially parallel to the legs of the user, an

interconnecting member connected between said units near correspondingends thereof, in position to support the upper torso of the user, and across member connected to the units and adapted to extend beneath theswimmers legs across the space between said units.

9. In a swimming device, the combination of a pair of spaced elongatedinflatable float units each adapted to extend along one side of theswimmer, and of a length to extend substantially from the head to theknees of the swimmer, each unit having a substantially non-inflatableportion extending transversely thereacross intermediate the endsthereof, means connected between said units near corresponding endsthereof for supporting the upper part of the swimmers body, and aflexible member connected to said units and extending across the spacebetween the units, said member being spaced a distance from said firstmentioned connection to lie beneath the legs of a person lying thereon,whereby downward pressure of one of the legs applies tension to saidmember and draws the rear ends of both units downwardly in the water.

THOMAS J. HOWLAND.

